I WAS invited to be part of the panel of judges that chose the winning "parols" from the competing entries submitted by different state universities and colleges. They had to be made from recyclable and recycled material — plastic clearly excluded — and had to express in artistic form the theme: "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin." Many entries were skillfully crafted, but most were not responsive to the theme. What I found truly inspiring though was the fact that state universities and colleges from predominantly Muslim regions and provinces participated and contributed truly creditable entries.

For the Tree Lighting Ceremony, everything was in readiness at the Malacañang grounds fronting the Kalayaan Hall. The choir I direct, the Coro de San Jacinto, and the Cagayan State University Chorale were invited personally by the first lady to perform. Supporting symphonic accompaniment came from the Pasay City Symphony Band, directed by Dr. Herminigildo Ranera, resident conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In this regard, Mayor Imelda Emi Calixto can only be commended for her support of such an accomplished band. I was told by Maestro Hermie that most of the members are themselves conductors. They played in a truly professional fashion, and they gamely submitted to my instructions when the time came for me to conduct the choir supported by the band. There is no greater privilege a conductor can have than directing a group of musicians of no mean caliber — and that is exactly what the Pasay City Symphony Band is.

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